Ra-Ikane: The Zambezi River Cruise on Palm River’s Doorstep

A river cruise on the Zambezi is a must-do activity in Victoria Falls. This tranquil way of exploring the waters is not only scenic, but a fantastic way to anchor yourself in the moment – where you can be present with your natural surroundings, and reflect on Victoria Falls as it must have appeared to the explorers of old.

Aboard one of our Ra-Ikane River Cruisers, there is a moment when the engine drops to a murmur, the bank slides away and the river takes over. Up here, a few kilometres above the Falls, the water is wide and unhurried. A fish eagle calls overhead, a hippo grunts from the shallows and, if you listen, there’s the distant rumble of Mosi-oa-Tunya, the legendary ‘Smoke That Thunders.’

For guests of Palm River Hotel, getting to that moment takes almost no effort at all. The Ra-Ikane fleet is based right here at the hotel, so there’s no early transfer across town and no hunting for the right jetty. You finish your coffee, wander down through the garden and step aboard.

(Easily the shortest commute in Victoria Falls.)

The name given to our fleet belongs to Lazarus Ra-Ikane, a guide who travelled with David Livingstone. The two met at the Kuruman mission when Lazarus was a young boy, and he went on to become one of Livingstone’s guides and a significant help on the journey that brought the explorer to Victoria Falls in 1855.

History tends to remember the man with the notebook rather than the people who showed him the way, so it’s fitting that a fleet on this same river carries Lazarus’s name. The three Ra-Ikanes are teak-finished mono-hulls styled on Livingstone’s 1850s exploration boat: all the character of another century.

People travelled the Zambezi long before anyone thought of a sunset cruise. For centuries, dugout canoes carved from single trunks carried fishermen, traders and families, steered by communities who knew every channel and season.

Livingstone’s own first sight of the Falls in November 1855 came from the water. He was paddled by canoe to a small island on the lip of the Falls, known today as Livingstone Island.

His later attempt by steamer went less smoothly. In 1858 he set off from Quelimane, near the river mouth, aboard the Ma-Robert, named after his wife Mary (the Makololo called her Ma-Robert, mother of Robert). The boat spent much of its time stuck on sandbanks, the Kebrabasa Rapids ended his plan to navigate the whole river, and the Ma-Robert sank in 1860.

Today’s boats have an easier brief. The upper Zambezi is broad, calm and scattered with islands, which is exactly what makes it so good for slow exploring.

Each Ra-Ikane carries a maximum of 16 guests, so there’s no jostling for the rail. You have your own table, the crew keeps the drinks coming, and your captain doubles as a guide. Every cruise runs for around two hours with food and drinks included, so the only real decision is the time of day.

The Breakfast Cruise: At sunrise the light is soft, the water is often glassy and the wildlife is busiest. Breakfast is served on board: pastries, cheeses, tropical fruit and properly brewed coffee.

The Birdwatching Cruise: For anyone who packed binoculars before sunscreen. The team usually spots 50 to 60 species on a morning outing, including African skimmers, rock pratincoles and, with luck, Pel’s fishing owl or the elusive African finfoot. Breakfast, fresh juices and tea are included.

The Lunch Cruise: While the rest of Victoria Falls is busy (or napping), the lunch cruise serves a seasonal soup followed by cold meats, salads, cheeses and fresh breads, with drinks to match.

The Sunset Cruise: The classic, for good reason. Canapés and drinks arrive as the light turns gold and the river wakes up: hippos stirring and elephants heading down to drink.

Browse details and rates here.

Their slim build and quiet engines let the Ra-Ikanes get closer to the banks than larger boats and slip into hidden streams and inlets.

You’ll hear the hippos before you see them. Crocodiles bask on the sandbanks, and elephants come down to the water’s edge and, if you’re lucky, wade between islands. Many of those islands are still wild and left entirely to the animals.

Then there are the birds. The wider area is home to more than 460 species, from African fish eagles and pied kingfishers to the carmine bee-eaters that nest in the riverbanks in season.

For a fuller picture of who lives where, our guide to wildlife on the Zambezi covers what to spot and when.

Birthdays, anniversaries, proposals: the Zambezi has a way of making an occasion feel like one. The fleet is available for private hire, with cruise times, catering and drinks arranged around your plans.

The Ra-Ikane suits gatherings of up to 16, while the double-decker River Odyssey takes up to 30. Whether it’s a sundowner for two or the whole family on board, our reservations team can help.

How long is a Ra-Ikane cruise? Each cruise runs for around two hours. Departure times for every experience are listed on the Ra-Ikane website.

What’s included in the cruise? Food and drinks are included on every cruise, from the breakfast and lunch menus to canapés at sunset. Drinks include alcoholic and soft options.

How many guests are on board? Each Ra-Ikane carries a maximum of 16 guests. The larger River Odyssey takes up to 30.

Is it safe to cruise so close to Victoria Falls? Yes. Cruises stay on the calm stretch of the upper Zambezi, well upstream of the Falls. Palm River itself sits about 4 km above them.

What’s the best time of day for a Zambezi river cruise? Early morning is best for birds and soft light, midday is the quietest time on the water, and sunset offers the most atmosphere and evening wildlife activity.

Can I book a private cruise for a special occasion? Yes. Both the Ra-Ikane and the River Odyssey are available for private hire, with bespoke times, catering and drinks.

What should I bring? A hat, sunscreen and a camera. Binoculars are worth packing for the birding cruise, as are a light layer for cooler mornings and evenings and insect repellent for sunset.

Do I need to book in advance? Booking ahead is recommended, especially during busy periods. Palm River guests can arrange cruises through reception.

Book your stay in the heart of things at The Palm River Hotel by contacting our friendly reservations team at onlinereservations@palmriverhotel.com.

Alternatively, make use of our online booking platform to secure your dates.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the banks of the Zambezi River!